US President Joe Biden, who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this week, has completed his fourth dose of PAXLOVID, according to his physician. On Friday, Biden’s doctor, Kevin C. O’Connor, reported that the President continues to experience primary symptoms like a loose, non-productive cough and hoarseness. However, these symptoms have “improved meaningfully” since Thursday.
In a statement released by the White House on X, Dr. O’Connor detailed Biden’s condition: “President Biden completed his fourth dose of PAXLOVID this morning. His loose, non-productive cough and hoarseness continue to be his primary symptoms, but they have improved meaningfully from yesterday. His pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature remain absolutely normal. His oxygen saturation continues to be excellent on room air. His lungs remain clear.”
Dr. O’Connor also noted that Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing on Thursday confirmed Biden’s SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) diagnosis. The specific variant is still being identified, but all of Biden’s bloodwork was normal, indicating no anaemia or bacterial infection. “The President continues to tolerate treatment well. We will continue PAXLOVID as planned. In the meantime, the President continues to do the work of the American people,” the doctor added.
Biden has been isolating at his Rehoboth Beach, Delaware home since testing positive on Wednesday while campaigning in Las Vegas. The 81-year-old President is vaccinated and has received COVID-19 booster shots, the latest being in September 2023, as per the White House.
Despite his illness, Biden vowed to return to the campaign trail next week to “save democracy,” as reported by The Hill. In a statement, Biden criticized former President Trump’s speech at the RNC on Thursday night, saying Trump focused on personal grievances without offering plans to improve the lives of working people.
“Last night the American people saw the same Donald Trump they rejected four years ago. For over 90 minutes, he focused on his own grievances, with no plan to unite us and no plan to make life better for working people,” Biden said on Friday. He asserted his determination to defeat Trump again in November, amid growing calls for him to withdraw from the race. These calls intensified on Friday when Senator Martin Heinrich became the third Democratic senator to urge Biden to drop out, joining four House Democrats who issued a joint statement asking the President to end his reelection bid.
